Optivar (Azelastine hydrochloride) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Optivar

Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC »

Allergy medications overview

The arsenal of allergy drugs includes dozens of medications that relieve allergy symptoms when confronted with a trigger known as an allergen. That trigger could be something from a plant, such as pollen, or something from an animal (pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches). Other allergy triggers include certain fragrances or chemical substances.

What causes a person's allergic reaction is highly individual. But the reactions are often universal: swelling and inflammation, especially around the eyes, nose, and throat, usually accompanied by itching.

Some allergy medications work against the effects of histamines, which are released during an allergic reaction. Other medications reduce swelling, affect the immune system, or affect release of other substances associated with allergic reactions.

Many allergy drugs are available without a prescription.

For what conditions are allergy medicatio...

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Optivar Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Optivar

Generic Name: azelastine ophthalmic (Pronunciation: a ZEL as teen)

What is azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)?

Azelastine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the chemical histamine in your body.

Azelastine ophthalmic is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies (hay fever).

Azelastine ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using azelastine ophthalmic and call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as:

severe burning, stinging, itching, or redness in your eyes;
eye pain;
trouble breathing; or
fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild burning or stinging
mild itching, irritation or discomfort;
runny nose;
blurred vision (temporary);
headache; or
a bitter taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to azelastine ophthalmic.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use azelastine ophthalmic while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 10 minutes after using azelastine ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.

Do not wear contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated. Azelastine ophthalmic should not be used to treat minor contact lens irritation.

Stop using azelastine ophthalmic and call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as eye pain, trouble breathing, severe burning, stinging, itching, or redness in your eyes.

Each bottle of this medicine is for a single use only. Throw away the bottle after one use, even if there is still some medicine left over.

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